Job Discussion Forums

Kelism

Hi,

I'm a UK citizen, 21 years old and currently studying for my English degree. I gained a CELTA Pass B last year and I'm really hoping to begin my TEFL adventures this summer. I'm interested in summer work in countries like China, Greece, Italy, Spain, and even Thailand and Indonesia, but many of the jobs that I have come across require one to have either 1 year teaching experience or a degree just for summer work.

Has anybody been in my position and managed to find summer work? Or even if that isn't the case, does anybody know of any good language centres/schools that hire teachers with no degrees or substantial experience? After doing some research and reading around on forums, I know my lack of degree and experience makes me nearly the lowest of the low so I'm likely to be given lots of working hours. But I'm willing to do this for decent employers if it means I can finally gain some experience.

In all honesty, I've only looked at jobs posted on TEFL.com because I dont know of any other legitamate job databases or employers other than them and the British Council. I did find a vacancy on TEFL.com for a summer camp called TECS in Spain, but trying to apply on their website was hopeless and I'm yet to recieve an email from them with my username and password and its been 5 days now! Also, I saw vacancies with English First China, but after researching on the net I've read good and bad (mostly bad) things about them and unsure whether to take the plunge and apply for one of their centres.

I'm aware that there are many legitimate online job databases out there but being terribly afraid of being scammed I haven't looked at any others yet.

So,
1. To anybody who has been in my position how did you get started?
2. Can anyone reccomend reputable employers who hire teachers with no degrees or little experience?
3. Should I apply to jobs that require experience anyway in hopes that that they might accept based on my profile and presentation? Or would I just be making a nusiance of myself?

Lastly, I apologise for my ignorance and if I've overlooked posts that already exist on this subject. I have been looking around on Dave's cafe for hours trying to find relevant posts and although I managed to get fragments of info from lots of different posts I finally decided to make my own.

I'd really appreciate any advice as I really feel I'm running out of time to apply now with summer practically upon us.

Thanks for your responses in advance, Kelly

tttompatz · Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 12:33 pm Post subject:

Get on the ferry and go to Spain (or anywhere else in the EU that may interest you.) Your degree is a non-issue as far as the work visa goes. Your CELTA gets your foot in the door. What you do after that is up to you.

The only real downsides are that you are not likely to find anything till you get your boots on the ground and it will take some time before you start to see any real cash (Europe is notorious for its starvation wages in ESL)..

Your lack of a degree will rule out most of Asia and coupled with no experience will effectively rule out the rest of Asia (insofar as LEGAL work is concerned).

If you want to work on a tourist visa, then pick a country (China, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia) and get on a plane. You pays your money and takes your chances along with the rest of the backpacker crowd.

.

Kelism · Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 12:43 pm Post subject:

Hi, thanks for your reply.

Are you saying that my best and really only chances are to actually go abroad and THEN try and find work?

Is it really that hopeless trying to find work in my position otherwise?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Kelism · Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 1:39 pm Post subject:

Really?!

I've always wanted to go to Japan Smile

It's number one on my Bucket List. But I was under the impression that teaching there was totally out of the question without a degree though. Maybe I should've looked more into that! I planned to apply for the JET programme when I finally got my degree.

wiganer · Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Posts: 189

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Have you looked at jobs in the UK Kelly? I know it wont be a 'big adventure', but it will get some experience under your belt that you can learn from, build on, and use to get your foot in the door later.

I know there are normally plenty of jobs going UK-wide, and many are residential positions with food and board included. My summer school employer definitely takes non-degree holders, heck they even take non-CELTA holders too!

Kelism · Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 1:27 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your advice Wiganer. I shall definately look into the working visa schemes.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I work for a local organisation based in Eastbourne, East Sussex. The posts arent residential so such a job probably wouldnt work for you when you add in living costs. Its great for me as I live here, or at least spend summers here!

If you get that job it sounds like you'll be busy, but thats all good and its a start right?

Kelism · Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 5:48 pm Post subject:

It definately is a start yes, thanks! And hopefully, if they like me, (and I like them) they might offer me some more weeks later in the summer. Fingers crossed.